Last Name Meach

The surname Meach has roots in various regions, and its origins are not entirely clear as it appears in different forms across multiple cultures. One possible origin is from a place name "Meach" in Ireland, which is located in County Roscommon. Another possibility is that it's of French or Norman descent, as the name is similar to the French word "mache," meaning "club" or "mace." However, without further information such as the specific geographical location or ethnic background, it can be challenging to determine the definitive origin of this surname. It's best to research specific branches within your family tree for more accurate results.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meach

The meaning and origin of the last name Meach

The surname Meach (or Meache) is primarily found in Ireland and England, although it can also be traced back to Wales and Scotland. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle English word "meche" or "mace," meaning a hammer or mallet used in various crafts or trades. The original bearer of this surname was likely someone who worked as a smith, a carpenter, or a mason, using such tools in their profession. The name may also have been given to a child born during the time when one of these items was being used at home, signifying strength and stability. Over time, regional variations of the spelling have emerged due to phonetic and orthographic changes over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meach

The surname "Meach" is predominantly distributed across regions in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Wales. According to genealogical records, the highest concentrations can be found in the counties of Gloucestershire, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. Smaller numbers also appear in Scotland, with a notable cluster around Edinburgh. The name's occurrence in the United States is relatively low but is more concentrated on the East Coast, particularly in Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont, which may reflect an early migration from the UK to these areas during colonial times. Minor occurrences of the surname can also be found in other English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, and Ireland. Its geographical distribution primarily reflects historical patterns of British migration and settlement.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meach

The surname Meach has various spelling and pronunciation variations. These include:

1. Meacham - This is one of the most common variations, originating from England and Ireland. It is often pronounced as "Meek-ham" or "Meek'um."
2. Meachem - A less common variant, often pronounced similarly to Meacham.
3. Meagher - This spelling is more prevalent in Ireland, where the name originated from the Gaelic McGathair. The pronunciation can vary between "Mee-er," "Mea-ger," and "Meak-her."
4. MacGee - Another variation originating from Ireland, this surname can be pronounced as "Mac-Ji" or "Mac-Ghee." It is a shortened form of Mac Gathaire, which translates to 'son of the smith.'
5. Maguire - A more common Irish spelling, it shares similar origins with Meacham and Meagher. The pronunciation can vary between "Mah-guy" or "Mag-ee-er."
6. Macham - A less common variation, pronounced as "Mach'am" or "Mac-ham."
7. Maach - This is a rare variant that could be a phonetic transcription of Meach. It may be pronounced as "Maach."

Famous people with the last name Meach

Notable individuals with the surname Meach include:

1. Leroy Robert Meachum, also known as Thunderbolt Ross, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Journey into Mystery #112 (August 1965). As a U.S. Army general and father to the Abomination, he plays a significant role in the Hulk's life.

2. Sarah Meacham, an American politician, served as the mayor of Cary, North Carolina from 2017 to 2019. She was the first woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to hold that position. Prior to her political career, she worked in various roles within North Carolina's technology industry.

3. James Meacham, a British composer and pianist, is best known for his work in the field of contemporary classical music. His compositions have been performed by ensembles such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the London Sinfonietta. He has also collaborated with artists like Evelyn Glennie and Thomas Adès.

4. George Meacham, an American businessman, was a significant figure in the automotive industry. He served as the president of General Motors (GM) from 1970 to 1972 during the restructuring era following the bankruptcy of GM's Canadian subsidiary.

5. Michael Meacham, an American professional football player, played cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL Draft and spent six seasons with the team before retiring due to injury.

Genealogical research on the last name Meach

The surname Meach, also spelled as Meache, Meech, and variants thereof, is believed to have originated in England. Early records indicate that it emerged from the region of Yorkshire, with the earliest known bearer being Robert Mache who was recorded in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. The name is thought to be a locational name derived from any one of several minor places so named, such as Meacham in East Riding or Meade in Northumberland, although it could also have originated from the Old English word "mæce" meaning 'battle.' Over time, the Meach family spread across England and later migrated to various parts of Europe and the Americas. In America, some of the earliest settlers bearing this name include Thomas Meache who arrived in Massachusetts in 1630, and Richard Meech who settled in Maryland in 1729. The Meach lineage remains diverse today with notable descendants including American politicians like Samuel J. Meacham, a U.S. Representative from Ohio, and sports figures such as William Meachem, an English professional footballer.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Meach"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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